Slough Town to celebrate life of record appearance holder Terry Reardon

Slough Town will pay tribute to their record appearance holder Terry Reardon when the Rebels host Welling United on Saturday week (November 23, 3pm kick-off).

Their former player and manager passed away in the summer at the age of 79 and his wife, Julie, and children Miles, Claire and Joanna have been invited to Arbour Park to celebrate his life with the club on what would have been his 80th birthday.

Slough have invited former Rebels players - who played alongside and under Terry during his time at the club - to tell stories of the club legend at a post-match Q&A with supporters.

They will also form a guard of honour for Terry's family as they walk out to the centre circle for a minute's applause before kick-off.

The club is also keen to reach out to anyone who wishes to attend the game and share memories or anecdotes about Terry at the post-match event.

A legendary figure at Slough, Terry holds the record for the most appearances in a Slough Town shirt.

He made the first of his 475 appearances for the club in August 1964 and was a key figure in Slough's journey to the 1973 Amateur Cup final at Wembley, where they played in front of 41,000 spectators against Walton & Hersham.

His final appearance came in April 1981 at Wexham Park, during a title-winning Isthmian Premier Division season for Slough Town.

As a manager, Terry returned to Slough to build a formidable team of local players. He is perhaps best remembered for masterminding the historic FA Cup victory over Millwall in the 1982/83 season, a milestone achievement for the Rebels.

“The club wanted to do something to celebrate his service and time at the club,” said club director Ashley Smith.

“He's a club legend.

“When speaking with his wife, Saturday, November 23, landed simply because it would have been his birthday.

“From the club’s perspective we wanted to show our respects for him, but also to celebrate at the same time his service. We’re hoping to do that.

“We're also looking to reach out to players and fans who might have watched Terry and his team. Maybe some at 75 who played for Slough or used to watch Terry.

“We want those people to be able to come down and celebrate with us. Also, if there is anyone who would like to contribute on the day they can contact me on email.

“His wife wanted the occasion to be upbeat and more like a celebration, so we're going to do a minute's applause and I'd also like the ex-players to do a guard of honour for his wife and children to walk out to the centre circle.

“We want to make people feel special. If they made a large contribution to the club, we want to celebrate them.

“He is spoken of very highly here. His team that beat Millwall in the FA Cup, with predominantly Slough players, gets spoken about a lot.”

A memorabilia table - featuring some of his old jerseys and photographs - will also be set up for fans to have a look at.

Terry also had stints with Wycombe Wanderers and Chesham United before ultimately transitioning to a management role. Contact Ashley Smith on ashley.smith@sloughtownfc.net if you would like to be involved in the celebration.